Houthi USVs: A Rising Threat to Global Trade

The Houthis’ campaign against merchant shipping is driven by a combination of ideological motivations and internal political pressures. Their anti-Israel stance plays a significant role, as reflected in their official slogan, which includes “Death to Israel, A Curse Upon the Jews.”

Additionally, internal challenges, such as declining domestic support due to the administration’s failure to provide basic services and enforce civil liberties, have likely pushed the Houthis to adopt aggressive external actions. By uniting the population against an external enemy, the Houthis aim to bolster domestic support.

The Bab al-Mandeb Strait is a crucial chokepoint in global maritime trade, connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. Approximately 12% of global shipping passes through this narrow strait, making it a prime target for Houthi attacks. The alternative route around the Horn of Africa is not viable for most shipping due to the significant increase in transit time and fuel costs.

The impact of Houthi attacks has been substantial. Freight rates on routes between Asia and Europe have skyrocketed by as much as 284%, contributing to global inflation and increasing costs for consumers worldwide. The threat to maritime trade has prompted a US-led coalition to launch Operation Prosperity Guardian in December 2023 to counter the Houthi threat, although the frequency and scale of attacks remain high.

Uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs) offer several advantages in maritime warfare, particularly for groups like the Houthis. Unlike aerial drones or missiles, USVs are harder to detect on radar due to their small size and low profile. They can carry large explosive payloads and strike at a vessel’s waterline, causing significant damage. Additionally, USVs are cheaper to produce and maintain, allowing the Houthis to deploy them in large numbers.

The Houthis have used various types of USVs, including converted patrol boats, weaponised skiffs, and purpose-built designs like the Toofan series. These USVs are primarily assembled in Yemen, using components likely supplied by Iran. This local production capability makes it difficult to disrupt their supply chain, allowing the Houthis to continue their maritime operations with minimal external support.